Managing a board can be a full-time job for a nonprofit director. Board meetings require large amounts of preparation and planning. The board members may rotate every year, so a nonprofit director is constantly bringing on new people. Plus, nonprofit boards are volunteer positions, which means that board member engagement can wane in busy times.

The strategic planning process takes many forms, and a strong one is constructed through an inclusive process where all stakeholder voices are heard. Dominant culture values speed over depth. A way to break out of dominant culture practice is to slow down the process. An inclusive process takes time & energy, and it builds buy-in through co-creation. Below is a basic outline to get you started.

During this pandemic, nonprofit leaders may be facing a higher board member attrition rate, which can leave nonprofits in a tough position. When several board members leave over a few months, the nonprofit leader and board chair are scrambling for new members. Here are some tips that I share with my clients.